hi, my name is lacy. i live in denver. i am 17 years old. my stepfather who is poz raped me and now i am infected. found out about 1 month ago. i have been contemplating suicide. i really don't know what to do.

Lacey, you are asking for us to help you. The only thing I can do is hope that you will talk to your doctor, who can help you find a counselor. You dont say how you found out you were HIV positive, but it doesnt matter. Just go to your physician and he/she can help you. Just talking about it with someone is good. We here can tell you that being HIV positive is a different experience for each person and often being HIV positive isnt the REAL PROBLEM. In your case sounds to me your real problem is your stepdad. I know that for me, I became more aware of what the important things in life are, after testing positive. I just hope you dont regard HIV as a death sentence ....it isnt

Lact, everyone is right. I know it is going to be hard but you do need to go to the police. Please also start going to a doctor and a psychologist. You have alot to get over. If you start now it will beeasier I promise. You CAN live with this. As you can see from everyone here it is possible. Just right now I understand how scared you are. Talk to someone, even if it is just us here. We want to help you. PLEASE take care of yourself.

--------------------Never forget: Life is too precious to take for granted.

Lacy.. We have all contimplated that. But we dont act on it. Please seek out professional help with this... Certainly your mentally distraught because of this event which adds to your worry and concern. But dont worry about the HIV part. Your going to live YOUR NOT GOING TO DIE!!!.. I would advise calling the Rape Crisis Hotline in Denver (I have a second home there) as well as CAP (Colorado Aids Project) There are professional councelors you can talk to over the phone.. You need 1 on 1 counceling and really there is only a limited amount that we can do for you here..

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